Pathania Directs for Long-Term Mitigation Measures
Udhampur: In the wake of incessant rains, flash floods and landslides having unleashed devastation across Udhampur district, Vice Chairperson District Development Council (DDC) Udhampur, Juhi Manhas Pathania Saturday carried out an extensive tour of severely affected areas including Sundla, Nakki, Khoon, Thati, Palnoo among others.
To take stock of the situation that arose after a devastating landslide reportedly affected residential houses in Sundla village- Majalta Tehsil, the Vice Chairperson visited the area and conducted a thorough review of the relief and rehabilitation efforts.
During her visit, Pathania observed that 20 houses have been reduced to rubble, while 50 others were vacated by the administration and local residents as a precautionary measure. Despite the challenges, the relief efforts were found to be satisfactory. A community kitchen, catering to the needs of around 200 people at a time, was running smoothly. Tents had been set up to provide temporary shelter, and fresh water facilities and bio- toilets were available. Medical care and sanitation facilities were also being provided, with the administration and local community working together to distribute essential items, including beds and sanitation kits.
Mrs. Pathania emphasized the need for a comprehensive geological survey of the affected area and surrounding regions to assess the extent of the landslide’s impact and potential future risks. This survey would help identify areas prone to landslides and facilitate the development of strategies to mitigate such disasters in the future.
The Vice Chairperson stressed the importance of restoring essential services, including electricity, drinking water, road connectivity, and healthcare facilities, to restore normalcy in the affected area. She directed the concerned departments to work towards ensuring equitable and transparent distribution of relief materials among all affected families.
Mrs. Pathania assured the local residents that the administration is committed to adopting long-term mitigation measures to minimize the impact of future disasters. These measures include strengthening infrastructure, slope stabilization, flood control works, and early warning mechanis
The visit aimed at taking stock of the ground situation, assessing damages, and reviewing the pace of ongoing relief measures.
The Vice Chairperson directed all line departments to remain fully geared up for relief and rehabilitation efforts, ensuring that damage assessments are carried out on priority, vulnerable and risk-prone areas are mapped, and precautionary steps are taken in areas where landslides and flash floods continue to pose recurring threats. She stressed upon adopting long-term mitigation and disaster-preparedness strategies including strengthening of infrastructure, slope stabilization, flood control works, and early warning mechanisms to minimize the impact of such calamities in the future.
Among those who accompanied her during the tour included Mohan Lal Sharma, Nimarta Bali, Ex Naib Sarpanch, Raman Khajuria, Renu Sharma, Surinder Aingh, Jagmohan, Ganesh Sharma, Jyoti, Ashwani and officers of various line departments.